First Caturday Boston
When:
Saturday, Aug 03, 2019 1:30p -
4:00p
Saturday, Aug 03, 2019 1:30p -
4:00p
Where:
Boston Common
Charles St
Boston, MA 02111
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Meetup
Event website:
https://www.facebook.com/events/759214631114827
Friends of Caturday, we are back again for 2019 π±π±π±
First Caturday is a day to reclaim the glory of the outdoors for our feline friends! πΎ π±π²
It is a day for delightful outdoor cat-napping and socializing. π―πΊ
It is where we can freely exchange information, friendship, and joy to help make our cats happy and healthy. πβ€οΈπ½
Some cats actually like leash walks, others stroller walks, and still others just to come to the park in their pet carriers to listen to the birds singing πππ€.
MEET AT THE PARKMAN BANDSTAND
βπΌπ‘How to walk your cat and why you should (try) :
ππ Not all cats will want to be walked on a leash, but every cat should be given the opportunity.
"First, let me start by saying not every cat is a candidate for leash training. As with any type of training, thereβs a learning curve but if your cat is easily stressed or you think sheβll never be comfortable, then donβt do it. You know your cat. Use that knowledge to make a sound decision that will benefit her and not stress or endanger her. Age is also a factor here. Itβs much easier to train a kitten to accept leash-walking." (π©βπ¬ Pam Johnson-Bennett, Cat Behavior Expert)
β³β° If you plan on introducing your kitty to a leash, train often and slowly. You are literally introducing them to a whole new world π, so be patient and let your cat walk you or just enjoy a spot in the sun together π.
β€οΈβ€οΈ Do not bring your cat to First Caturday if they are not sufficiently leash trained or comfortable with the outdoors in a stroller/carrier! β€οΈβ€οΈ
"Cats should be trained indoors first.
For the sake of safety, itβs crucial to start training indoors....purchasing a harness and leaving it inside the house for your cat to play with and smell π, so he isnβt afraid of it. Next, strap your cat into the harness and make sure itβs properly fitted and that your pet is comfortable. Then let kitty wear the harness around the house. Let him drag the leash and grow accustomed to having something strapped around his body." (π©βπΎ Sherry Woodard, Animal Behavior Consultant)
+PROS+
1. Build their confidence πΈ!
2. Walking your furbaby can help strengthen the bond between a cat and his owner, giving the pair something to experience together βοΈ.
3. Walking a cat can provide your pet with a more enriched life π.
4. When out for a walk β rather than prowling an apartment β a cat will use his brain in different and more thoughtful ways π.
It's completely fine if a cat decides, nope, no park for me pleaseβπΌππ». Totally fine if a cat doesn't like First Caturday and wants to go straight home π πΏπ‘. Or it's completely fine if a cat decides to stay inside a pet-carrier and not come out on the leash π±πΆπ.
If you try bringing your cat in one of these safe and supervised ways, you may find that your cat likes fresh air and the change of scenery ππΌπ€π. This is one more option to enrich your cat's life π. If you have a shy kitty, you can skip the big group π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦, and just try sitting in your backyard π‘ with your cat in the carrier. And some kitties just don't like the outdoors πΏ and that's a-okay! Respect their choice to stay inside. β
With or without a cat, you're welcome at #firstcaturday. πΎπ¦π
If youβd like to stay connected, follow along at https://instagram.com/firstcaturday or https://facebook.com/firstcaturday, and help this idea spread by sharing with other friendly cat-owners! π π±βπ
#firstcaturday / #firstcaturdayboston
π π REMEMBER that cats cannot sweat to cool themselves down. If they are starting to overheat their huffing will be a sure sign that it's time to find some shade, water or some time in the AC. Kitties usually like licking condensation off water bottles for a little hydration π§. If itβs too hot for your cat, stay home and come again at the next First Caturday! βοΈποΈ
π πKEEP IN MIND: you will be exposing your cat to fleas and ticks with frequent visits to the outdoors so be prepared with pre-applied medications to prevent them!
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is responsible for disease in cats that is similar to HIV infections in humans. For that reason, it is often referred to as kitty AIDS, but it must be borne in mind that it is not contagious to humans or other animals. (π©ββοΈ Dr. Lila Miller, D.V.M., ASPCA.) FIV is passed from mother to baby and through a deep bite in an aggressive fight.
FIV is not easily passed between cats as it cannot be spread casually through litter boxes, food, and water bowls, or snuggling and playing. π₯
πΎπΏ PLEASE BE AWARE that this is an unofficial social gathering, organized only by cats. Participate responsibly and caringly for your human, your furbabies, and the environment! And although this should be obvious: if you have never taken your cat or human outdoors in a safe and controlled way, this event is not the first time to do so πΎ. By participating, you agree that the well-being and safety of your cat are strictly your responsibility. π―π΅πΎ
SOME researchers speculate that once the global feline consciousness has been restored, wars across the lands will cease and a blissful peace will erupt here on Earth πΉ π€.
